2026 Sioux Falls Burger Battle: 'Don Corleone's Vendetta Royale'

January in Sioux Falls is heating up thanks to this year's Burger Battle! There are a record 50 burgers on the menu for this year's Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle.
Lots of Sioux Falls restaurants are looking for your stomachs and votes.

When it comes to burgers, there is definitely one for everyone, especially in Sioux Falls! Sponsored by POET, the 13th annual Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle features burgers that residents can sink their teeth into. Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or a little extra heat with your meat? You'll find it on this year's Burger Battle ballot.

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I know that 50 burgers is a lot to eat for anyone in this year's Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle. But I guess anything is possible when it comes to Burger Battle!

Eating all 50 burgers is a lot for me. That doesn't mean I won't give it the old college try! The next burger I was excited to eat comes from Minervas Restaurant. Meet the "Don Corleone's Vendetta Royale: Minerva's Edition Burger."

According to a previous article from my co-worker Jeff Harkness, the Don Corleone's Vendetta Royale: Minerva's Edition Burger is a "Garlic Herb Brioche Bun, Sun-dried Tomato Basil Aioli, Prairie Coteau lamb Ragu Bolognese, Hadrick Ranch Beef Patty, Mozzarella, Parmesan Fondue, Smoked Paprika, Cracked Black Pepper, Basil Oil, Served with Hand Breaded Jumbo Mobsterella Stick, and Bold Marinara." This sounds like a meal fit for a king (or queen)!

Christine Manika (TSM)

We were lucky to have this burger because not only was Minervas Restaurant on a Saturday night, but the kitchen also ran out of the burger! The wait was long, but worth it. I was a fan! The lamb Ragu Bolognese paired nicely with the mozzarella and parmesan fondue. I didn't really taste the difference between the ranch-style patty and a regular beef one. I only tasted goodness. Oh, and the giant mozzarella stick is no joke. It's pretty huge. But I couldn't think of a better side for a hearty meal.

I would make a reservation before stopping at Minervas Restaurant! Here are other reviews from this year's Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle:

The Brewmaster Burger from Remedy Brewing Company
The Prime Time from Tommy Jack's Pub
The Spring Roll Showdown from Big Sioux Burger
The Sonoma Sourdough from The Treasury
The Buenos Aires Burger from Glacial Lakes Distillery and Brewhouse with the Black Sheep Food Truck
The Canadian Express from Cascata Italian Cuisine
An American in Paris Street Burger from CH Patisserie

Don't forget to vote for your favorite on the DTSF Digital Passport app. Your vote is based on:

• Flavor
• Patty
• Toppings
• Bun
• Presentation

There's no time to waste! You have until Saturday, January 31st, to complete the epic 2026 Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle!

It’s 1989, where is your family going out to eat?

If you are a Sioux Falls 80s Kid, you probably spent many nights cruising the loop, browsing the records at Musicland, and going out to eat at one of these gone but not forgotten Sioux Falls institutions.

On social media, we asked you all: ‘It’s 1989, where is your family going out to eat?’ Here’s what you said.

My Top 5 Favorite South Dakota Made Foods

As I was slicing a piece of cheese off my block of Dimock Dairy Colby cheese and boiling a ring of Bluebird Locker German sausage on the stove, I started thinking, "What foods is South Dakota known for?'

Then I realized the state is known for some of my favorite foods, are they're actually made right here in South Dakota!

So, I decided to search my cupboards and refrigerator looking for other South Dakota-made foods and came up with my Top 5.